Transaminitis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of transaminitis?

Transaminitis, characterized by elevated levels of liver enzymes known as transaminases (AST and ALT), can indicate liver inflammation or damage. The symptoms of transaminitis can vary depending on the underlying cause but may include:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes.
• Abdominal Pain: Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or actually vomiting.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat.
• Dark Urine: Urine may appear darker than usual, sometimes described as tea-colored.
• Pale Stool: Stools may be lighter in color or clay-colored.

Sometimes, transaminitis may not present with noticeable symptoms, and elevated transaminase levels might be discovered incidentally through routine blood tests.

What are the causes of transaminitis?

Transaminitis, or elevated levels of transaminases (AST and ALT) in the blood, can be caused by a variety of conditions and factors. Common causes include:

• Liver Diseases: Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, autoimmune), fatty liver disease (NAFLD or NASH), cirrhosis, and liver tumors.
• Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to alcoholic liver disease and elevated liver enzymes.
• Medications: Certain drugs, including over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen, and prescription drugs such as statins or antibiotics, can cause liver enzyme elevations.
• Infections: Some viral infections, like Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus, can affect liver function.
• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions like hemochromatosis (iron overload) or Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation) can lead to liver enzyme abnormalities.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Autoimmune hepatitis and other systemic autoimmune conditions can affect liver enzyme levels.
• Obesity: Obesity and associated conditions such as metabolic syndrome can contribute to fatty liver disease and elevated transaminases.
• Trauma or Surgery: Liver injury or trauma, including surgical procedures, can temporarily raise enzyme levels.
• Heart Failure: Severe heart failure can cause liver congestion and elevated liver enzymes.
• Genetic Conditions: Genetic disorders affecting the liver or metabolism, such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, may result in transaminitis.

In many cases, determining the underlying cause involves additional diagnostic tests and a thorough evaluation of the patient’s medical history and symptoms.

What is the treatment for transaminitis?

Treatment for transaminitis focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the elevated liver enzymes. Here’s how treatment varies depending on the cause:

• Liver Diseases: Management of liver diseases like hepatitis involves antiviral medications, corticosteroids, or other immunosuppressants. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding alcohol and adhering to a healthy diet, are also crucial.
• Alcohol Consumption: Reducing or eliminating alcohol intake can improve liver function and reduce enzyme levels.
• Medications: Adjusting or discontinuing medications that are causing liver enzyme elevations, under the guidance of a healthcare provider, can be necessary.
• Infections: Treating viral or bacterial infections with appropriate medications can help normalize liver enzyme levels.
• Metabolic Disorders: Management may involve medications to address iron or copper overload, as well as lifestyle changes like weight loss and dietary modifications.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Treatment may include immunosuppressive drugs or other medications to manage autoimmune hepatitis and related conditions.
• Obesity: Weight loss through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes can improve liver health and reduce enzyme levels.
• Trauma or Surgery: Treatment focuses on recovery and monitoring liver function, with enzyme levels typically returning to normal as healing progresses.
• Heart Failure: Managing heart failure with medications and lifestyle changes can help alleviate liver congestion and normalize liver enzyme levels.
• Genetic Conditions: Specific treatments for genetic disorders might include chelation therapy for copper or iron overload, along with other supportive measures.

Regular monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential to assess treatment effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.